They only added the VT50 because all the 2012 Panasonic's from ST up share a chart in their description that compares all the other models and they wanted a page so the link didn't die. And the JR listing is just default MSRP as a pre-order. There are better prices elsewhere online. Much better. But the trade-off is they are from places with no return policy (short of a defect causing rejection of delivery). This is all pretty typical for pre-release of a flagship model.

1) This has not been the historic pattern for the past VT's (flash one-off sales aside)

2) The major manufacturers seem to have learned their lesson and did a much better job controlling inventory this year. A lot of these higher end models inventories are drying up at various places already a full couple months before we're likely to see their replacements (for the 64/64" top line units). Three years ago you could still get fire sale prices on the 65" top Panny plasmas in the middle of summer.

3) The deepest discounts around the holiday tend to be on the more mass-consumer mid-line models rather than the flagship ones.

4) Too early to say if Samsung holds to this (and I am highly skeptical) but they play to implement a universal price policy, like Apple, where they control retail pricing everywhere for their TV's and severely limit discounting. If so, this reduces the competitive pressure on Panasonic to deeply discount.

Here are the numbers for the Panasonic EPP members (log on to their site, enter your work e-mail address and you might be pleasantly surprised like I was). I think shipping is free but they do tax you. I hope I got the numbers right! I'm personally torn--think the ST50 is more than sufficient for my simple needs but I always like to go 1st class with my toys! I'll wait for you pros to get your hands on a VT50 and to tell us simpletons if it's worth the premium.
55" VT50 $2,249.99
60" GT50 $2,079.99
55" GT50 $1,679.99
50" GT50 $1,439.99
65" ST50 $2,399.99
60" ST50 $1,679.99 (with free FREETALK® Conference HD Camera Talk-7181 for Skype, etc...)
55" ST50 $1,359.99
50" ST50 $1,119.99 (with free FREETALK® Conference HD Camera Talk-7181 for Skype, etc...)

EPP is employee purchase price? So only panasonic employees or open to other consortiums?

It's open to any employers who participate in the program (not sure how they join). Regardless, here's a link to their site where you can enter your work e-mail address to see if you're eligible (if you are they'll send you an e-mail indicating how to register):

Pre-order on Panasonic.com is $2,999.99 (EPP $2,399.99) with the free FREETALK® Conference HD Camera and the estimated ship date is "May-June".

Yeah, seems like their dates are late just to make sure they can cover since some units seems to be at vendors already. Thanks nonetheless!

Btw...dont know if this is kosher for this forum but I found some sites online like dealcatcher where you can get help with creating an EPP account with Panasonic. A google search should guide you there.

Yeah, it doesn't look good for major discounts right away if that's the EPP price, right?

Prices are not always better on the epp site. They often beat the big box stores, but online retailers usually are a little lower. When I bought my 65vt30 it went down to 2500 epp and best buy was at 2700, but some online sites had it for 2400ish with free shipping and no tax.I had to pay taxes on the epp site.

Oops yeah 65 inch. I guess $2900 is still good. I was thinking of getting VT30 for $2700 but it looks like 2012 models do offer some improvement over last year.

If I order from Amazon and after few months notice problems, do i contact Amazon or deal with Panasonic directly? Will they come to my house if there is an issue or do I have to take it to an authorized dealer?